Do you find yourself repeatedly posing the same question? Who was responsible for commissioning the Clone Army? It remains one of the intriguing enigmas within the Star Wars prequels.
While it may not qualify as an earth-shattering mystery, delving into the intricacies of their creation can still be an enjoyable pursuit. Shall we embark on a journey to uncover the answer?
The Origins of the Clone Army in Star Wars
Sifo-Dyas, a Jedi Master, initiated the creation of the inaugural clone troopers on behalf of the Galactic Republic, with the Kaminoans undertaking the task of bringing the clone army into existence.
The Kaminoans embarked on the cloning process using Jango Fett as their genetic template, ultimately yielding an army composed of identical Fett clones. These soldiers were intended to serve the interests of the Galactic Republic.
Beyond their genetic resemblance to Fett, the clone troopers underwent rigorous training, transforming them into one of the most formidable military forces in the annals of the galaxy. Their prowess far outshone that of their droid counterparts.
As history unfolded, this formidable army was utilized for the execution of Order 66, a directive that spelled the demise of the Jedi Order, paving the way for the rise of the Galactic Empire under the rule of Emperor Palpatine.
Unveiling the Enigma of Master Sifo-Dyas
- Sifo-Dyas, a prominent Jedi Master during the final days of the Republic and a member of the Jedi Council, remains a captivating figure in the Star Wars saga. His close friendship with another renowned Jedi Master, Count Dooku, who later embraced the dark side as Darth Tyranus, adds intrigue to his story;
- The most notable aspect of Sifo-Dyas’s legacy is his pivotal role in ordering the first clone troopers for the Republic. This enigmatic Jedi Master was initially introduced in “Attack of the Clones,” where a Kaminoan named Cam Smith revealed to Obi-Wan Kenobi that Sifo-Dyas had personally commissioned the creation of a clone army for the Republic;
- Remarkably, Sifo-Dyas does not make appearances in any other Star Wars films or literature, yet his actions indirectly played a crucial part in the Republic’s downfall, making him a mysterious and significant figure in the Star Wars universe.
Why Master Sifo-Dyas Commissioned the Clone Army
As the Republic grappled with increasing corruption within its Senate, Count Dooku, a once-loyal Jedi, grew disillusioned. He foresaw the Republic’s impending demise unless drastic changes were made. Frustrated by the Jedi Council’s reluctance to support the Republic’s war efforts, Count Dooku made the momentous decision to formally resign from the Jedi Order.
Meanwhile, Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas recognized the urgency of preparing for a potential crisis. He advocated for the Jedi Council to consider the creation of a clone army as a precautionary measure. However, his proposal faced resistance from many fellow Jedi, leading to his removal from the Council by Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum.
In response to his expulsion, Sifo-Dyas undertook a clandestine journey to the planet Kamino. In the year 32 BBY, he reached out to the Kaminoans, requesting the creation of a clone army to serve the Republic. To gain their cooperation, Sifo-Dyas, masquerading as the Senate, informed the Kaminoans that the order had been issued directly by the governing board itself. Simultaneously, a sinister plan to eliminate Sifo-Dyas began to unfold across the galaxy.
Count Dooku, now a fallen Jedi Master, had succumbed to the dark side and had been contacted by the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, who would eventually rise as Emperor Palpatine. Darth Sidious offered Dooku an apprenticeship, contingent on his demonstration of loyalty through the assassination of Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas. This fateful event marked a pivotal moment in the unfolding of the Clone Wars and the rise of the Sith’s influence over the galaxy.
Unveiling the Intrigue: A Comprehensive Account
Upon Count Dooku’s return to the Jedi Temple and subsequent departure on another mission, members of the criminal syndicate known as the Pyke Syndicate set their sights on targeting the shuttle of Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas.
Executing their clandestine arrangement with the Sith, the Pyke Syndicate executed an audacious assault on Sifo-Dyas’s shuttle, which culminated in its destruction.
In a calculated move to buy more time for the Sith’s machinations, Count Dooku discreetly purged information about the planet Kamino from the Jedi archives housed within the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. This covert act was aimed at preventing Jedi Knights from uncovering Kamino’s existence through the clues left behind by the deceased Jedi Master.
The demise of Sifo-Dyas pleased Darth Sidious immensely, prompting him to elevate Count Dooku to the title of “Darth Tyranus,” designating him as a Sith Lord.
Following this promotion, Sidious tasked his new apprentice, Darth Tyranus, with the mission of negotiating with the Kaminoans and the cloners to ensure the unwavering loyalty of the clone army to their cause.
Dooku, operating in secrecy, also issued instructions to the cloners at the Kamino facility, directing them to continue the work initiated by Sifo-Dyas. However, he made it clear that his involvement in this endeavor must remain concealed.
The Unexpected Revelation
Several years later, a startling vision unfolded when the spirit of Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas manifested before Yoda, extending an offer to unveil the identity of the elusive Sith Lord. The catch? Yoda had to embrace the dark side alongside Sifo-Dyas. In a resolute stance, Yoda declined the enticing proposition, unraveling the ruse orchestrated by Darth Tyranus (Dooku) and Darth Sidious.
Dooku and Darth Sidious proceeded to torment Yoda with visions, foretelling a grim future marred by the impending downfall of the Jedi Order.
In the Legends series, an affluent figure, the leader of the Hego Damask clan, engaged in discussions with Sifo-Dyas during the early days of the Republic’s ascent. Sifo-Dyas confided in Damask about his aspiration to clandestinely create an army, poised to safeguard the Republic in times of necessity. Despite encountering resistance from certain quarters of the Jedi Council, the banking clan leader wholeheartedly backed Sifo-Dyas’s vision, providing ample funding for the army’s realization.
The twist in this tale lies in the true identity of the enigmatic figure behind the mask, Darth Plagueis, a Sith Lord with sinister designs to eradicate the Jedi, using one of their own as a pawn.
- Additionally, the television series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (in the episode titled “The Disappeared, Part II”) unveils an unsettling revelation: Count Dooku orchestrates the freezing of Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas’s lifeless body;
- The formidable Kaleesh warrior, Grievous, sustained grave injuries during the Battle of Geonosis, prompting Dooku to oversee the reconstruction of his body. This involved utilizing organic material harvested from the frozen remains of Sifo-Dyas. Yet, Grievous’s hopes of attaining a heightened connection to the Force by hosting the blood of a Force-sensitive individual were ultimately dashed.
Conclusion
In simple terms, Sifo-Dyas, a Jedi Master, attempted to prepare for a foreseen darkness, but his plan had unintended consequences. Instead, it inadvertently led to the creation of an army that the Sith would manipulate. The Sith seized the opportunity presented by Sifo-Dyas’s actions and covertly orchestrated the birth of the clone army, distancing themselves from its creation. It wasn’t until a decade after the onset of the Clone Wars that Obi-Wan Kenobi finally discovered the existence of the planet Kamino. Even though Obi-Wan Kenobi uncovered Kamino and the origins of the clone army, the ongoing conflict with the Confederacy of Independent Systems forced the Galactic Republic into a full-scale war.